At the end of 2020, Congress passed, and President Trump signed, a new law that provides for additional relief related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This law, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA, 2021), includes a second draw of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans (PPP Second Draw Loans) and updates to the original PPP loan. It also allows businesses to deduct ordinary and necessary expenses paid from the proceeds of PPP loans.

The African American Community Service Agency has a variety of events coming up in honor of Black History Month. If you are not able to engage in some of their upcoming events you can also find a link to donate to their organization.

There's a new program coming soon, so please put this on your radar. The U.S. Small Business Administration is currently working on the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant Program. This new program was passed in the most recent stimulus bill, adding to the mix of business-relief programs designed to address economic losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. The bill sets aside $15 billion for the program and qualifying venues can get up to $10 million in grant money. They are NOT ACCEPTING applications yet, but you can begin evaluating the eligibility requirements and sign up for updates through the U.S. Small Business Administration.